Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Ó Caoláin - Government will be held to promise of rights-based Disability Bill in new Dáil term

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has
said his party will be holding the Government to its promise to publish
comprehensive rights-based disability legislation in November 2003.
Deputy Ó Caoláin was speaking today (Monday) in advance of a special
seminar on disability hosted by the Sinn Féin TDs in Leinster House with the
Forum of People with Disabilties.

Deputy Ó Caoláin said:

"Following the debacle of its totally inadequate disability legislation
which was rejected by people with disabilities and withdrawn last year, the
Government has given a clear commitment to publish a new Disability Bill in
November. This legislation must be rights-based. It must recognise that
every person living with a disability has the legally enforceable right to
have their whole person recognised, their capabilities valued and developed
to full potential, and their dignity respected. People with disabilities
must have the right to access appropriate, coordinated services. The
state has the duty to provide such services, as well as proper individual
needs assessments.

"Sinn Féin will be holding the Government to its promise to publish
such legislation in November. People with disabilities must not be
disappointed yet again.

"Today's seminar is an opportunity for Sinn Féin TDs, parliamentary
assistants and equality officers to be fully briefed on the latest issues
of concern from the point of view of people with disabilities and we look
forward to working on a continuous basis with the Forum of People with
Disabilities." ENDS